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Evolution of Bhadralok and Babu Representations in West Bengal’s Visual Arts

The 19th century in West Bengal was marked by a sudden surge of the Bhadralok as we have now read in the previous articles in the Bhadralok series. The Bengali elite or the “babu” of Bengal changed the cultural landscape of the region in many different ways. Their dressing was a mixture of Indian and […]

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A Brief History and Significance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

“Museums are wormholes to other worlds. They are ecstasy machines. Follow your eyes to wherever they lead you and the world should begin to change for you.” —Jerry Saltz There’s always that one time of year when our phones buzz non-stop and our feed is filled with pictures of celebrities with their maximalist display of

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“Stone Hasn’t Left me”, Says the Curator of Yuva Sambhava Robin David

When it comes to artistic expression, mediums, techniques, and perceptions frequently change over time. Nonetheless, despite all of this change, there is still a persistent dedication to customs and respect for ancestry that informs and influences the field of art. The recent show presented by renowned sculptor Robin David under the Raza Foundation’s auspices resonates

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Bhadralok: Architectural Legacy and Cultural Identity in Kolkata and Beyond

We have earlier learned about the Bhadralok of Kolkata and how the term and the people came into being around the 19th century. Bhadralok of course was defined by their Bhadrata (good manners). The Bhadralok did not just inhabit urban spaces, but in rural areas, a defining trait of the Bhadralok is their aversion to

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From Aristocracy to Artefact: Introduction to Kolkata’s Bhadralok Culture

The bhadraloks built their reputation for having a certain evolved sense of the world -Hindol Sengupta/ fortuneindia.com Bhadralok Culture The existence of aristocratic strata within Kolkata’s cultural milieu highlights a legacy characterised by influence and refinement or so it seems. The Bhadralok culture may have sprung up in the 19th century and established a great

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Partition Settlements: A Look At The Refugee Landscape Post Partition

Following the independence in 1947, India and Pakistan were divided, resulting in one of the biggest and bloodiest migrations of people in history. It was marked by unheard-of levels of suffering for individuals. Millions of people had to evacuate their homes for safety and a sense of belonging across freshly formed borders. Many people became

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A Couple Who Makes Us Believe In Love – Bharti Kher and Subodh Gupta

Saptarshi Ghosh We do compete healthily or unhealthily, sometimes Bharti Kher Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Whether it is positive affirmations, flowers, or chocolates, partners all around the world show appreciation to their significant others on this day. The day makes us aware of the transformative power of love. Today, at AbirPothi, we

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It’s Rococo not Baroco: Art, Architecture, Fashion and Much More!

If you’re somewhat into art or social media, chances are you might’ve stumbled upon the portrait of a girl in pink swinging in a lush field. The painting is titled The Swing or  Les heureux hasards de l’Escarpolette by the painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and it is regarded as one of the most famous pieces of

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India’s Museums Forge Trust, Collaboration, and Preservation on the Global Stage

In a dazzling display of cultural exchange, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) recently showcased an eclectic mix of American Pop Art, featuring iconic works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Simultaneously, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) hosted a ten-month exhibit uniting divine sculptures from the ancient Mediterranean with

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